By Megan J. Shen
There is a common myth that Asians in the U.S. are successful and free from racial bias. This is often referred to as the ‘model minority’ myth.
This myth is not only inaccurate and a gross overgeneralization, but it also hurts public health efforts to address health inequities among Asians in the U.S.
By Sravya Chary
In response to the March 16, 2021 attacks targeting spas in Atlanta, GA that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, six of whom were Asian women, President Biden urged Congress to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.
The legislation was first introduced nearly a year ago, on May 5, 2020, but did not receive a congressional vote at that time.
The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, although beneficial as a reactive solution to hate crimes, does little to mitigate the long-term negative health implications of xenophobia on Asian Americans.
By Seema Mohapatra, JD, MPH
When there is an outbreak or emergency, reports of racism and xenophobia often follow.
But in recent pandemics, there have been concerted governmental efforts to thwart nativist attitudes and prejudice, using law as a tool.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, instead of trying to extinguish racist attitudes, the Trump administration has actually spearheaded ways to “other” Asian Americans.